January 31/07 2:45 am - Job at SAO, Communities to Receive Canada Games Day Grant

Posted by Editoress on 01/31/07

Sport Alliance of Ontario

Application Deadline: March 2, 2007

Starting Date: January 31, 2007

Position: Games Consultant

Job Description:This position is responsible for building and developing partnerships and collaborative relationships with Provincial Sport Organization and community stakeholders, through the management of the Ontario Games Program. The ability to lead projects, work in team environments with diverse groups of staff and volunteers, and build and maintain project momentum which will result in successful Ontario Games which play a key role in amateur sport development in the province.

Major Responsibilities Work directly with provincial sport organizations and related associations, host communities, and their staff and volunteers to support the delivery of the Ontario Games Program. Assist and participate on projects associated with Ontario Games program, including community development, communications, marketing, fund raising, promotion, etc. Research and development of Ontario Games "best practices", policy and procedure. Assist with the management of partnerships between the SAO, its partners, and suppliers and contractors to ensure timely, effective results. Assist with the management of special projects, program evaluation, and budgets effectively. Ensures that all programs and events support the SAO business plan. Act as liaison between SAO, Host Municipalities and provincial sport organizations on all aspects of the delivery of the Ontario Games Provide consultative services and advice to Host Organizing Committees for Ontario Games Administer transfer payments to Host Municipalities and oversee/monitor SAO/ Ministry investment Administer and oversee contracts between PSO's and Host Organizing Committees and SAO Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Thorough knowledge of the Ontario Games Program and Ontario's amateur sport system. Experience working with volunteer organizations. Must have strong event management skills, expertise and knowledge in conflict resolution and possess strong negotiating and communication skills. Strong oral, written and presentation skills are also required.

The Canada Games announced today that they are awarding grants to nine Ontario communities to host Canada Games Days in 2007. Gravenhurst, Hamilton, Markham, Midland, Port Colborne, Sarnia-Lambton, Sudbury, Toronto and Wikwemikong will receive grants of up to $5,000 each to support hosting the events.

A Canada Games Day is a community event that offers young people, 4 - 14 years of age, a sport and educational experience that mirrors the excitement and spirit of the Canada Games. Organizers partner with local sport organizations, schools and summer camps to offer a range of sport "try-it" activities, guest speakers and other events. An easy-to-use Canada Games Day resource kit is also provided. The Canada Games Days are a rallying point for communities to engage residents, strengthen volunteer networks, increase youth physical activity and raise funds for community sport councils. Seven Ontario communities held Canada Games Days in 2006.

"For the past three years, the Canada Games Council and the Ontario Trillium Foundation have been committed to helping Ontario communities stay healthy and active," says Sue Hylland, President and CEO, Canada Games Council. "Community interest in hosting a Canada Games Day has exceeded our expectation and we look forward to continuing to inspire dreams and build champions in Ontario's youth in 2007 and beyond."

Building on the success of the Games, the Canada Games Council has broadened its focus from Games only, to Games and between Games initiatives. This new focus on resources, programs, activities, tools and events for Canada's youth between the Games, 52 weeks a year, is called Dreams and Champions. Canada Games Dreams and Champions initiatives are meant to inspire Canada's youth to participate in sport and physical activity by providing the programs, tools and support to build next generation champions who reach and succeed at higher levels.

"Helping young people stay healthy and active is a big priority", says Tamara Roth of the Markham Sport Council, which organized a Canada Games Day in September 2006. "Our Canada Games Day brought families out to try something new and learn about our local sport organizations. Showing people the many sport and physical activity options in our community really helps them find one which is just right for them".

For more information and to request a Canada Games Day resource kit please visit canadagames.ca or contact the Ontario Canada Games Day Project Manager, Paul Jurbala at paul@communityactive.ca.